Home > Direvo introduces BluCon™ for the conversion of non-food biomass to biofuel and chemical building blocks

12 November 2012

Direvo introduces BluCon™ for the conversion of non-food biomass to biofuel and chemical building blocks

New German platform to address global commodity supply and environmental concerns

Direvo Industrial Biotechnology GmbH is commercializing its BluCon™– platform for complete, one-step conversion of non-food feedstocks to carbohydrates used in the production of fuels and chemicals. In the recent years Direvo has undertaken a huge research program identifying a portfolio of proprietary microorganisms, which enable the lowest cost production of valuable chemicals from non-food biomass. The BluCon™ platform is extremely flexible both for the type of feedstock and the resultant high value fuels and chemicals produced. BluCon™ converts various non-food biomass ranging from grasses and straw to agricultural and wood residues and can therefore be applied around the globe. From an end product perspective, BluCon™ delivers transportation fuels like ethanol or chemical building blocks like lactic acid.

“After two years of extremely hard work, we are very excited to use our BluCon™ platform in solving global raw material supply and environmental concerns. Our technology will capture a significant share of the developing bio-based economy”, CEO Jorg Riesmeier explains. BluCon™ technology platform is a so-called second generation biomass conversion technology. Contrary to first generation technology there is no need to use food feedstocks. The switch from a fossil-based to a bio-based economy is driven by global warming and by the finite nature of fossil fuels and sustainability. The gradual switch requires many new technologies at various levels. On a global basis, the demand for transportation fuels and chemical building blocks will continue to increase for foreseeable future. By 2050 the World Energy Council (WEC) forecasts that global fuel demand could increase as much as 82% compared to 2010 levels. In combination with dwindling public acceptance of fossil-based raw materials, this will lead to a high need for biofuels and bioplastics.

Direvo Industrial Biotechnology GmbH is the only German company and one of very few in Europe developing such a technology. With decades of experience in “directed evolution” Direvo is perfectly positioned for the final steps of process development along with a network of commercialization partners. These are being carried out partly in house and partly in collaboration with global partners from industry and academia.

About Direvo Industrial Biotechnology GmbH:Direvo is a biotechnology company with focus on the biomass conversion industry. Direvo identifies bottlenecks and weaknesses in current industrial processes in this sector and develops and implements biology-based solutions together with large and small industrial partners. Direvo’s products are newly designed enzymes and microorganisms of the highest quality that provide easy-to-implement, cost-effective solutions. Direvo’s contribution assures that partners stay competitive and profitable while supporting them to make the future cleaner, greener and safer.